Sensitive information on your cell phone may be at risk. Hackers are accessing personal info by using misleading text messages as well as spy apps. “Spy apps” are designed to help parents keep track of their children or reduce the likelihood of infidelity in relationships, however some people misuse them to access your email, text messages, call logs and even your current location. Unfortunately these apps are hard to detect and run invisibly in the background, fortunately there must be a physical installation. So as long as you know and trust anyone who has access to your phone, this is not something you should be worried about.
However, a more common hacking scheme happens with misleading messages, and anyone with a cell phone and an email account is a target. Nettitude explains how penetration testing works and how it can help protect you from hackers. In one one potential scenario, a hacker would somehow dubiously obtain your mobile phone number and email address then send a text message claiming to be from your email service provider indicating there is an issue with your account. The hacker goes into the login screen of the target’s email account and clicks the option “Forgot Password” and requests a verification code to be sent via text message. The hacker then sends a second message requesting the verification code. If you happen to fall for the trick and send the verification code the hacker would have full access to any sensitive information in your account and can change the password, locking you out.
If you suspect your e-mail account has been hacked, first make sure your security software is installed and set it to update automatically. Secondly run a scan to check for malware and then restart your computer. Last but not least if you still have access to your account change your password immediately. If you continue to have issues or if you receive a suspicious message contact your service provider to confirm the legitimacy of the claims.
